University of Rhode Island
Kingston, RI, USA

Reviews

University of Rhode Island

Paige from Nashua, NH

a current student here
19 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The classes I have taken at URI have all helped me learn a lot. They are not time-filler classes that are there just for you to get a grade. You will come out of every class being much more educated on that topic.
Am enjoying being here
It was a difficult transition at first. Being away from home is very hard but if you get involved in the many activities around campus you will have to the time of your life.
Bang for the buck
It is somewhat expensive for me to attend URI even after financial aid because I am out of state. Even though it is a lot of money, the education and the memories I will receive are worth the money.
Tips for prospective students
The activities being offered on campus are all for you so take advantage of that and get involved. It will make your time there so enjoyable. And don't get too sucked in to the party scene. It is fun to go out just stay on top of your school work and don't let partying get in the way.

Brandon from Wakefield, RI

a current student here
6 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The University of Rhode Island has a lot to offer its students. Each class is filled with new, up to date information that help its students succeed and lead them on to bright futures. I am currently attending URI and I have already learned a lot being there. In my first semester, I learned about a years worth of high school work and the great thing was that it was not hard to do. With the professors and grad students working as hard as they do, it was so easy to learn from them. The faculty is like non other because they are extremely dedicated to their students. I have learned numerous things from how to structurally format a molecule, to solving and applying a heat transfer equation, to writing a very persuasive argumentative paper, and how to even do a personal interview! This school provides limitless resources for its students to learn and to take in as much information as they want. The teachers are always there for me. I go to office hours where I can bring my work that I am having problems with and every single time the teachers help me to solve my own problems. I could not have dreamed of learning so much. I have even learned how to budget my time from my engineering professor.
Am enjoying being here
I love it at the URI Kingston campus. It is a beautiful campus filled with Rhody pride! The great thing about this school is that all the students WANT to be there, and that makes the experience even better. I love going to class, spending time with friends, and kicking a soccer ball around in the quad. Everything on this campus is enjoyable, even the food! URI has one of the best food services in the state hands down, I have not heard one person complain about the food. There are so many organizations that you can join from sports clubs to Greek Life. I have enjoyed ballroom dancing myself, it is loads of fun and the best thing is that I have gotten to meet so many people. The weather is not too bad either. A bit of rain and snow, but that is everywhere in the north east. However, the sun still shines often and it is very comfortable living at school. I also enjoy the classes because the class are not too big and the teachers are so well trained, I could not ask for a better atmosphere. Walking to class is also a great way to exercise because the campus is on a hill, which makes it better because you do get a little workout on the way to class. Meeting friends has also been a blast because the school sets up so many events where you get to meet all different kinds of people. I even went to a comedy night where I saw Ralphie May perform and I cannot even explain how hard I laughed! This school has been so enjoyable, I don't know why people would decide not to go to URI.
Bang for the buck
The University of Rhode Island is a bit pricy even for the instate tuition. The tuition keeps rising little by little, but Rhode Island is a small state and cannot get a lot of funding from the state. It is easy to look past the price though when you see what is offered to you. A great education, a beautiful campus, an amazing student body, suburban setting, fifteen minutes away from the best beach on the east coast, what more could you want? It is definitely worth what you pay and I can confirm that. All colleges are going to be expensive because that is the way schools are today. However if you want to go to a school with the best education, location, and school spirit, then URI is definitely worth the money. In addition, URI offers the Bay Campus, which is such an advantage that URI has over other schools. I know that when I look at the bill for URI, it does not really matter because I know that my time spent there was worth every penny. Bang for the buck is a definite YES!!!
Tips for prospective students
There are many tips that I can offer about URI to prospective students. First off, take advantage of the meal plans at this school because it is worth it. The dinning services offer such a large variety of food that does not get boring and keeps you well fed with an all you can eat style dinning plan. Another thing that I can offer as advice is to sign up for classes as soon as you can. I got in a jam with a few classes and had to move my schedule around a bit because I waited to sign up. The second that classes are available to you, grab them! In terms of the orientation, try to go to an earlier orientation towards the beginning of the summer if you can because you will have a the chance to snag the classes before other students. Finally, get involved with the school because being a part of the campus life is so important. I have many friends who have missed out on a lot that the school offers because they did not sign up for anything and did not want to bother getting involved. The more you do at URI, the more people you will meet, and the more relationships you foster, the more fun you will have and the more memorable your college experience will be.
Great for these types of students
This is a college that is great for all types of students. There is so many different students in this school, which makes it a really interesting place to be. All kinds of kids go to URI whether they are into art, sports, music, drama, theatre, science, engineering, language, teaching, health, math, physics, and many students with many different races and ethnicities go to URI. Probably one of the most open and diverse schools out there.

Morgan from Wolfeboro, NH

researching this school
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Beautiful and well located campus with extremely friendly people. Mass number of events, clubs, sports and organizations to keep people interested and interactive around campus. Extremely impressive international engineering program for future engineers who hope to study abroad and get hands on experience.
Tips for prospective students
Although it is a state school, it doesn't feel very large and overwhelming. The environment is great and you get a good amount of people without feeling overcrowded or over looked. Also for it being a state school, some people would assume that it is easy to get into, but honestly it all depends on the program you apply for. Some of the programs are highly selective.
Academic Rigor
The program I plan on entering is the Biomedical Engineering program with a minor in German. In the course of three years I will learn enough German to be apply to go to Germany and intern for an engineering company completely in that language. You learn a lot in a short amount of time.
Dorm Life
I had to leave my tour of the campus early so I didn't actually get to see a dorm, but walking by them everyone was holding doors for each other and was extremely friendly. Also depending on your program you may get your own special dorm like engineering.
Food and Dining
When I toured I stopped at one of the smaller little cafe areas and it was so nice and cute. But other than that they have a large amount of options and when I was there they had fresh lobster right outside in the quad. I mean what more do you need?
What to do for fun
Honestly there are so many clubs its crazy. There is something there for absolutely everyone and URI is extremely supportive of all of their sports teams. They provide for their students in every way possible here. I toured the campus during finals week and URI was selling lobsters fresh out of the ocean in the quad and the quad was also filled with puppies for students to come play with just to release some of the stress from finals it was amazing.

Christian from Bradford, RI

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
The atmosphere and the student life are the best parts about the University of Rhode Island. There is a community that thrives here as well as tough manageable academics with a lot of room to grow and achieve.
Tips for prospective students
Get involved with something on campus, it will make your time here worth every penny you spend. Work very hard your first semesters because these are the stepping stones for your GPA and remember it's just as important to have fun while you're here.
Academic Rigor
Different majors have different levels of difficulty but in all of them students can find challenging work and gain real knowledge on the areas of study.
Dorm Life
There is a variety of different buildings and living styles that can accommodate a student of any year. Even if one does not like the living situation they are in they can always change to another room or building. The Housing and Residential Life really helps make sure everyone is getting what they paid for as well as setting up communities for students to succeed in more ways than one.
Food and Dining
There is always a multitude of choices at both dining halls and the staff truly cares about the experience. There are sandwiches, pasta, stir fry, salads, burgers, and pizza every day but the main meals vary. There are even special nights where Dining services puts on candle lit dinners or holiday feasts.
What to do for fun
There are a little under 100 student groups and there is also on campus jobs that end up being more fun than work. There is also greek life that a great deal of students end up joining and having a blast with. There is also the beach within 15 minutes of the campus. Many of the upperclassmen rent houses in the surrounding neighborhood so the students from campus tend to travel to there on the weekends.
Bang for the buck
If you get involved, work hard, and put yourself out there the University of Rhode Island will pay off and in my personal experiences be worth more than the tuition I pay. I won't always remember the homework or exams but I will never forget the memories and friendships that I have made while at this University.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
The campus has a place called the North Woods which is an old growth forest that houses many rare plants, birds, and animals. There were baby owls in the forest as of last spring and there are also trails for running or hiking as well.
Great for these types of students
For students who like to go out and have some fun on the weekend there is always something going on. Someone who can really branch out will make a ton of new friends and will have a great time here. There are also a lot of opportunities to help with research and lab practice.
Clubs and Activities
There are tons of groups and clubs that allow students of different backgrounds or similar interests to meet and have fun. There is also intramural sports that run through the whole year which include almost all of the major sports. There are more competitive club sports that many students make commitments to. There are some spirit groups on campus that throw big events like homecoming weekend, Nearly Naked Mile, Rhody's Birthday, and a mud volleyball tournament. There is also a whole office dedicated to getting students involved in civic engagement, so for those that are interested in volunteer work there are plenty of opportunities there.
Greek Life
While many students do not choose to pursue Greek Life for various reasons those that do only have good things to say about it. There is a Greek Week in the Spring semester where all of the Fraternities and Sororities gather and compete as well as have socials with each other. There are also many members who fall in love with the members and actually take the brotherhood and sisterhood aspects to heart.
Campus Safety
Campus Safety is spot on, there has never been a moment where my friends or I have ever felt unsafe. There are blue safety lights that are placed all around campus and one can be seen no matter where a student is. These lights have an emergency call button that will contact the campus police and they will come to that location to help. There is also never any serious issues that occur here in terms of safety. The University of Rhode Island community is very laid back and most students never really consider safety an issue.

Holly from Middletown, RI

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I've always been a firm believer of education is what you make of it. It really all boils down to what you're studying, if you enjoy it, and if you're willing to put in the work to reap the benefits. The professors I've had so far genuinely love what they teach and are willing to answer questions.
Am enjoying being here
I credit this to my extra-curricular activities. Without them, I would never have found my niche/a break from studies.
Bang for the buck
Costly, but in comparison to private schools, URI is on the more affordable end. They are raising tuition this coming fall though. +~$1,000 for in-staters.
Tips for prospective students
Be proactive. Ask questions and engage yourself in activities on campus. You will enjoy your undergraduate experience more.

Andrew from Narragansett, RI

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The professors at URI are, far the most part, engaging, caring, and intelligent. Once in a while, you get stuck with a poor professor, but that is the same at every school. Most professors go out of their way to help you and make themselves available. Many will even assist you once you have left the classroom, whether it be in a job search or something along those lines. Classes are generally challenging, but not extreme. It all depends on your course load and the amount of effort you are willing to put in. If you're a serious student and care about learning and not wasting you're money, you will most certainly get value and knowledge out of your classes.
Am enjoying being here
Campus is generally always busy. There are always events going on, and the quad is a great place, full of unique individuals. There's literally something for everyone. The people are nice, there is enough to do on campus and nearby, that it is rare that you have to go too far. The Ryan Center has a few big concerts and performances every single year. Examples from the past year or two are Kid Cudi, Jim Gaffigan, The Fray, Wiz Khalifa, Neon Trees, and of course, URI basketball.
Bang for the buck
For out-of-state students, URI is expensive. It's a bit more manageable for in-state students, but it is a tad pricey. Go to class, don't waste your money.
Tips for prospective students
1. Go to class.
2. Go out and participate. It's the best way to meet new people.
3. Take advantage of the free services offered. Career services, the library, the gym, etc etc etc...
4. If you commute: the parking is terrible. Be prepared to arrive early, have trouble finding a spot, and pay for a commuter pass (yearly).
Great for these types of students
Basically, any student who wants to enjoy college, have fun, learn a lot, and get their money's worth. URI is a great school.

Hayley from Hope, RI

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I have just completed my first semester at URI, and have already experienced two extremes. On the one hand, I could wax unendingly about how wonderful my nutrition and communications classes were, with fascinating material and engaging professors and challenging but not overwhelming assignments. On the other hand, I also experienced the drag of the +300 student lecture halls in a psychology class that was mostly a dull Powerpoint presentations of definitions, and a theater class where most of the students goofed off. This is not to say the academic quality at URI is hit or miss, just that this school is not exempt from the challenges of the occasional large and apathetic classroom. That's what makes URI's honor's program so exciting: it's small classroom setting and instructor selected topics guarantee that it's going to be a fascinating and living course, even on the introductor, gen ed requirement level. Definitely take advantage of the honors program for the most stimulating academics.
Am enjoying being here
Contrary to popular belief, URI is not a school full of Rhode Islanders! One thing I love about URI is getting to meet people from lots of different places; even many international students have found their way to this school and make it all the more fun of a place to be. Clubs like The Mob and Humans v. Zombies do crazy things to promote school spirit and the 100+ student organizations leave plenty of things to do, many of which feature free pizza. The abundance of things to do on campus is pretty fortunate, because URI's location is kind of quiet. (Unless Pauly D comes to visit!) There's not much to do off-campus unless you want to take the 40 minute drive into Providence, which is a bit of a bummer. On the flip side, the beach is only ten minutes away, and beautiful all year round. Lots of good food, too. There are lots of different people here, and that's one of the best things about URI.
Bang for the buck
The truth is, URI runs a little pricey as far as state schools go. Granted, my family and I are flat broke, but thanks to URI's financial aid and a few outside scholarships, I have been able to pay for my first year without taking out any student loans. Still, instate students might want to consider taking their gen eds at CCRI, since the credit is guaranteed transferable, and the tuition is much more affordable. The caveat out of the way, URI does deliver a plenty of perks for all its cost. Endless academic variety and free resources like Career Services and the Academic Enhancement Center ensure that you get your money's worth. It's difficult for a state school to balance the budget, but I wish URI could find some way to address the parking situation: commuter parking is less than ideal.
Tips for prospective students
Use the gym and the AEC and the library - you're paying for these things, but it's depressing how few students actually use them.
Great for these types of students
Basketball fans, people looking for Greek life, theater geeks who want a tight-knit and fun group, beach bums, those bubbling over with enthusiastic school pride, and marine biology majors.

Joyce from Jewett City, CT

researching this school
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
I love how the stairs in the Biotechnology college is designed to look like DNA. Also URI offers a dual major program where engineers can pick a language to major in as well and in their fourth get to travel to a different country!
Dorm Life
The rooms look really nice. URI offers living and learning communities where you can live amongst people with the same or similar majors.
Food and Dining
There are many dining halls with great meal plans.
Clubs and Activities
They have hundred of activities.

Ashley from CT

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Academic Rigor
While some classes are much easier than others, it is very important to go to class, do the homework, and study. If you slack off, it will reflect on your GPA and that is not always easy to get back up.
Dorm Life
I lived in a triple my freshman year, and needless to say, it was very small and cramped. Living with 2 other people is very hard, especially when you don't get along with your roommates for whatever reason. However, the dorms and bathrooms are cleaned everyday and are always in good condition.
Food and Dining
Overall, the food isn't bad. It does get old when the same things are constantly being served though. The dining halls always get busy around the same time and it can be hard to find a table for you and your friends. I've had to walk around the dining hall for 5-10 minutes before to find a table.
Campus Safety
I have never felt unsafe while on the campus.

Abigail from Pawtucket, RI

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
This university is great and so is the food. You have awesome mentors and great clubs. All of you professors are willing to help if you ask.
Tips for prospective students
Make sure you complete your homework and attend class.
What to do for fun
Ice ring to skate, going for a hike, swimming or diving and creating your own club.
Bang for the buck
There are some empty classrooms in the
Great for these types of students
any students!!!!!
Greek Life
awesome!!!